Broadway Luminary Nicholas Rodriguez to Enchant Kirkwood

A Night to Remember: Broadway Luminary Nicholas Rodriguez to Enchant Kirkwood

In the heart of Kirkwood's bustling downtown, just where South Taylor Avenue meets Monroe Avenue, lies the city’s most recent architectural marvel—the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center (KPAC). On November 9, 2023, at 7:30pm the venue, which stands as an emblem of the city's dedication to the arts, is set to host Broadway sensation Nicholas Rodriguez.

The building will resonate with the melodies of American musical theater, delivered by the inimitable Rodriguez. Known for his captivating performances across Broadway and locally, The MUNY, Rodriguez's visit to Kirkwood is a gift for theater aficionados. The New Yorker and NPR have lauded him as "Fantastic" and "Outstanding" respectively. At the same time, The New York Times and The Washington Post have showered accolades, dubbing his performances as “Spectacular” and a testament to “A Classic Leading Man!”

The musical night promises more than just the magic of Rodriguez. With the Kirkwood High School Choir priming the stage under Andrew Gibb-Clark's guidance, attendees are assured an evening of melodic joy.

The ensemble joining Rodriquez in concert includes Roberto Sinha on the piano, Vince Clark strumming the bass, and Nick Savage wielding the drumsticks.

Art McDonnell, a beacon for the arts in Kirkwood and former mayor, speaks to the significance of this event.

"This concert is more than just a benefit or a musical event. It's a celebration of the arts in Kirkwood," said McDonnell, former Kirkwood Mayor and president of the Kirkwood Arts Foundation. "Nicholas Rodriguez's involvement underscores the level of artistry our community both nurtures and attracts."

And while the night itself promises to be unforgettable, the purpose it serves is just as noble. Proceeds will be funneled to bolster Kirkwood's already vibrant arts scene. The city established the Kirkwood Arts Commission in 2014—a council-driven initiative dedicated to promoting art in and around the region. With the Kirkwood Arts Foundation working tirelessly to further these efforts, the concert marks a culmination of their shared vision: to make art accessible, valued, and nurtured in Kirkwood.

Fans, theater-goers, and art enthusiasts mark your calendars and snag your tickets here. This November, be part of a grand musical soirée that not only entertains but also champions the love for arts in the heart of Kirkwood.

Photography courtesy of Nicholas Rodriguez.